Dear Colleagues,

The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems and heart transplantation (HTx) are now well-established life-saving treatment options for patients with end-stage heart failure. Despite advancements in MCS technology and improvement of long-term results after both ventricular assist device implantation and HTx, there are still important gaps in our knowledge and understanding which will have to be filled in the future.

This Special Issue is aimed at updating and enhancing the knowledge and skills of those engaged in this particularly demanding, and still highly current, field of clinical medicine. We aim to provide for the readers an equilibrated mix of varied contributions from original research to review articles focused on the latest key findings and major advances in MCS and HTx.

The main topics that are expected to be addressed by the authors include patient selection for MCS or HTx, insertion of MCS systems, left ventricular vs. biventricular assist device implantation, temporary right ventricular mechanical support, evolution of device technology and novel implantation techniques for durable devices, HTx techniques, management of patients with MCS and understanding of device-related adverse events, weaning from MCS systems, post HTx surveillance for acute rejection and allograft vasculopathy, immunosuppressive therapy after HTx, and patient outcomes after HTx.

Prof. Michael Dandel

Guest Editor